Watchdogs have come under pressure for not being tough enough on bullying among Renfrewshire councillors.

Eileen McCartin has been a victim of online abuse in the past, while Paul Mack recently accused another elected member of “destroying” him and his family.

The former has accused the Standards Commission of being too focused on incidents that happen inside the council chambers, rather than tackling bullying taking place outside.

Meanwhile, Councillor Mack has taken aim at the Ethical Standards Commissioner - the watchdog that investigates complaints before passing them to the Standards Commission who complete hearings - for doing “absolutely diddly-squat”.

Councillor McCartin said: “I think the Standards Commission should rethink their approach. They need to be tougher.

“A lot of their work is supposed to centre on things bringing the council into disrepute and that doesn’t just happen in the chambers.

Read More

However, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron defended the Standards Commission and said it was essential in weeding out bullies at Renfrewshire Council.

She said: “There are bullies in this chamber. I think that’s the very reason we do need the Standards Commission.”

Kevin Dunion, convener of the Standards Commission, dismissed suggestions the body only dealt with incidents which take place within the council chambers.

He said: “It’s quite wrong to say that we only deal with complaints within the chambers. We deal with many cases across Scotland where the complaint has taken place outside the chambers and many where comments or activity has taken place online.

“The Councillors’ Code of Conduct makes specific reference to that and we have an advice note for councillors on bullying and harassment.

“It may be the case that Renfrewshire has only given rise to cases in the chambers but that’s certainly not the case elsewhere.”